The Dawgs are once again proving why they’re a premier destination for top collegiate baseball talent, assembling a loaded roster ahead of the 2026 WCBL season. Featuring a mix of Division I standouts, rising freshmen stars, and high-impact junior college arms, this year’s incoming class brings both depth and star power to Seaman Stadium.
Leading the charge on the mound is Will Labonte, a right-hander out of Portland University who is quickly becoming one of the most decorated young pitchers in college baseball. The Dawgs Academy graduate has emerged as a Division I ace, posting a 2.44 ERA over 51.2 innings while striking out 45. Labonte’s dominance has him in the conversation for national pitcher of the year honors and Freshman All-American recognition.
He’ll be joined by Christopher Wrench, a highly touted left-hander from the College of Southern Nevada and Oklahoma commit. Wrench ranks among the nation’s best in multiple categories, including total strikeouts (78), ERA, and WHIP, solidifying his reputation as one of the most electric arms in the country.
The Dawgs’ rotation continues to impress with Logan Rumberg of George Mason University, who has limited opponents to just 41 hits across 55.2 innings while striking out batters at a rate of 10 per nine innings. Meanwhile, Gonzaga’s Gabe Brabec brings valuable experience, having appeared in 27 games over the past two seasons. His prior dominance at Linn-Benton Community College—where he posted a 1.18 ERA with 90 strikeouts—earned him first-team All-NWAC honors.
Depth on the mound doesn’t stop there. Alex Garcia (Oklahoma Wesleyan) has been a workhorse, logging 68.1 innings with a 3.03 ERA, while Korey Alston and Ty Manuel—both from JUCO powerhouse Odessa College—bring power arms and frontline production. Alston’s fastball touches the mid-90s, and Manuel has been a steady presence with a 3.63 ERA over 57 innings. Adrian Quintana of nationally ranked Ottawa University is 7-2 with a 2.45 ERA and almost 9 strikeouts per 9 innings.
Rounding out the pitching staff is Blake Smith of Seattle University, a veteran with over 225 Division I innings under his belt. Transitioning from a Friday night starter role to the bullpen, Smith has excelled in a high-leverage role, striking out 41 batters in just 31 innings.
Offensively, the Dawgs have secured a dynamic group of hitters capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
Behind the plate, Jayden Lusk (Vernon College, Wichita State commit) brings both power and defensive prowess. Lusk is hitting .380 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs, while also earning praise for his elite catch-and-throw abilities.
In the infield, the Dawgs add two standout shortstops. Owen Lee (Tennessee Tech) has been a consistent presence at the Division I level, hitting .306 with nine home runs across more than 400 plate appearances. He’s joined by Ricardo Sanchez of Gonzaga, a national semifinalist for the top shortstop award, who boasts a .351 average and a .444 on-base percentage.
The outfield will feature Aidan Dougherty, a versatile bat who has already made an impact at both UConn and the University of Washington. After hitting .333 in 46 games at UConn, Dougherty continues to produce at the Pac-12 level while bringing proven success from his All-NWAC season at Linn-Benton. Indiana University brings us 2 outfielders, Ayden Crouse and Cal Gates. Crouse, who was a member of the 2025 team before getting hurt, was an All-American at Chandler-Gilbert CC before heading to Indiana this fall. Gates is a speedy outfielder who played in 20 games at IU as a freshman.
With a roster stacked with elite talent from across North America, the Dawgs are poised for another competitive summer in the WCBL.
As anticipation builds in Okotoks, one thing is clear: this year’s Dawgs squad isn’t just deep—it’s dangerous.
